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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 11:09 PM CDT
City zoning board to consider permit for new bed and breakfast

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — A permit that would enable a bed and breakfast to open in a former church building will be considered on Thursday by the Charleston zoning board.

David McGrady has petitioned for a conditional use permit to operate a bed and breakfast at 803 Sixth St., the intersection with Harrison Avenue.

McGrady has renovated and remodeled the long-vacant building, which was constructed during the World War I era by the United Brethren Church. He said he hopes to open an inn with five-bedrooms, each containing a private bathroom by the fall.

The property is part of the historic district that the city adopted in March along much of Sixth and Seventh streets between Eastern Illinois University and the courthouse square. Most of the renovations took place prior to the district being established.

Kit Morice, chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, said the commission reviews all conditional use permit applications for city historic districts or landmarks in an advisory capacity.

Morice said the commission reviewed McGrady’s permit application on Aug. 15 and did not have any collective objections to his plans for an inn.

“In general, we are supportive of projects that save old buildings and find a way to use them,” Morice said.

In other matters, the board will consider proposed amendments to the city’s unified development code of zoning ordinances and development standards. Assistant City Planner Steve Pamperin said most of the amendments clarify definitions or reorganize information within the code.

Pamperin said the only proposed policy change is in regard to single parking areas with more than two spaces at large rental housing. He said this change would increase from 5 to 12 feet the distance that must be allotted for cars to back up before reaching public right of way.

“We want to give drivers more room to see before they back out to the sidewalk,” Pamperin said.

Other agenda items include:

- Unique Home’s petition to allow for eight parking spaces to be located in front of its Forest Ridge Meadows Apartments at 2409 Eighth St. so that more apartment units can be added. The city code currently restricts parking there to no more than three spaces.

- Greg Badger’s petition to subdivide the site of his Excel Carpet Care Business, 918 18th St., from the adjacent Glass Specialty Co. site, 920 18th St. He said this subdivision will help him better market the two properties in the long run.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.

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Mike P wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:39 PM:

" What a novel idea, best of luck on the B and B.

Zoning permits, not taxpayer financing. Used to be how prosperous business got started. Business is always a risk, and this one is taking those risks on its own, as it should be. There is a market for it, and it is a good location. Taxes will be collected, not deferred. A suitible building and location was chosen. Owner reaps the reward without being fettered, and the city benefits from it being provided. Win Win This is how it is supposed to be done. Way to go, and then some. Hope it takes off like gang busters and a constant waiting list for reservations backs up a mile long. Congrats and good luck. "